Returning Home

In my third lesson two weeks ago, Master Lui gave me the piece Returning Home (歸去來辭). The lyrics of this guqin melody are written by Tao YuanMing 陶淵明 (365–427 AD). When an arrogant official was sent by the provincial government to his home district, Tao, who then served as magistrate, was required to meet him. Seeing the inequities of political life, he said, “For five pecks of rice, I cannot bow at the waist.” With that, he resigned his official’s seal and returned home.

Returning home.
My fields, choked with weeds,
How can I not return home?
The past cannot be changed;
The future holds possibilities.
A light breeze rocks my boat;
The wind swirls my clothing.
I ask another traveler about the road,
While the morning light is still dim.
Then, I see my home.
I am welcomed at the gate.
The pines and chrysanthemums still remain.
I stroll in the garden with contentment.
The clouds float by the mountain peaks.
Tired of flying, the birds also return home.
What is there to gain anyways?
I just cherish quiet morning walks along clear streams,
Composing poetry.
Why doubt the ways of Heaven?

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Colossians 3:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.